2026 Talent Report

YOUNG WORKERS & DIVERSE POPULATIONS

In 2025, Greater Grand Rapids had a higher concentration of young workers (19 to 24 years old) than both Michigan and the United States in the following industries:

• Administrative and Support and Waste Management and • Construction • Health Care and Social Assistance Remediation Services

• Information • Management of Companies and Enterprises • Manufacturing • Mining • Quarrying

• Oil and Gas Extraction • Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services • Transportation and

The concentration of diverse populations in Greater Grand Rapids lags state and national figures but grew faster (39.3%) from 2005 to 2025 compared to Michigan (23.2%) and the U.S. (29.9%). Warehousing, and Wholesale Trade 69% OF TOTAL POPULATION GROWTH DRIVEN BY DIVERSE POPULATIONS IN GREATER GRAND RAPIDS FROM 2005 TO 2025.

Diverse Population Distribution in GGR

42% INCREASE

21% INCREASE

66% INCREASE

ESTIMATED

Source: Lightcast, 2025 estimated

Share of Population Growth Driven by Diverse Populations

ESTIMATED

Since 2015, diverse populations have driven more than half of Greater Grand Rapids' population growth. From 2021 to 2022, when non-diverse populations declined, diverse populations accounted for all regional growth.

09

Source: Lightcast, 2025 estimated

Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator